At the end of 2016, Ed announced he was stepping away from the spotlight in a lengthy Instagram post.

“Hello all,” he posted. “I’m taking a break from my phone, emails and all social media for a while. I’ve had such an amazing ride over the last 5 years but I find myself seeing the world through a screen and not my eyes, so I’m taking this opportunity of me not having to be anywhere or do anything to travel the world and see everything I missed.

Ed Sheeran performs at East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) gala dinner, at the Natural History Museum, London (Image: PA)

“To my family and friends, if you love me you will understand me buggering off for a bit, to my fans,the 3rd album is on its way and is the best thing I have made thus far.